The Best Thick & Soft Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies: A Family Favorite Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a batch of freshly baked cookies, and these thick and soft chocolate chip peanut butter cookies are no exception! They’ve earned their spot as one of our family’s most beloved treats, disappearing from the cooling rack almost as quickly as they emerge from the oven. If you’re searching for a cookie that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet indulgence of chocolate in a perfectly chewy bite, look no further.
In our household, cookies aren’t just a dessert; they’re a necessity! They’re the quintessential after-school snack, the perfect companion for park outings, and a must-have for poolside relaxation. Beyond their deliciousness, baking cookies offers a wonderful opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. Measuring, mixing, and scooping — it’s a fun and easy way to create lasting memories while whipping up something truly special.
These peanut butter chocolate chip cookies have been a trusted, go-to recipe for years. Their incredible popularity means they never last long, and for good reason. Each cookie boasts a wonderfully thick and super-soft texture that melts in your mouth, while the classic chocolate-peanut butter combination delivers a flavor profile that simply can’t be beaten. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Secrets to Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies
Achieving that coveted soft and chewy cookie texture isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s also about understanding a few fundamental baking principles. Our tried-and-true tips, highlighted below, will help you master the art of soft cookie baking, ensuring every batch is as delightful as the last.
Baking Tip 1: The Magic of Brown Sugar
- For ultimate chewiness and moisture, always prioritize recipes that use brown sugar, or a combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which not only adds depth of flavor but also contributes significantly to a chewy texture. In contrast, granulated sugar tends to yield a crisper, more spread-out cookie. The balance in this recipe ensures your cookies are delightfully soft and robust.
Baking Tip 2: Optimize Your Baking Temperature
- Baking at a slightly lower temperature, typically around 350°F (175°C), rather than a higher 375°F (190°C), allows your cookies to bake more evenly and thoroughly without browning too quickly on the edges. This slower bake helps the center set properly while keeping the exterior golden and soft, preventing a dry or crumbly texture.
Baking Tip 3: The Golden Rule: Don’t Overbake!
- This is perhaps the most crucial tip for soft cookies. Remove your cookies from the oven when the edges are just set and lightly golden, but the middle still looks slightly underdone and soft. They will continue to bake and set as they cool on the hot baking sheet. Overbaking by even a minute or two can quickly turn soft cookies into hard, dry ones. Look for a barely set center – it’s the key to perfection!
Essential Tools for Your Baking Journey
To make these delightful cookies, having the right tools can make all the difference. While not exhaustive, these affiliate links suggest some items that will help you achieve baking success. These links may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, helping support our kitchen adventures!
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This recipe was originally published November 2012, and has since been updated and refined to ensure the best possible results.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams), at room temperature
- ¾ cup crunchy or creamy peanut butter (225 grams)
- 1 ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar, packed (225 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (200 grams)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the room-temperature unsalted butter, peanut butter (your choice of crunchy or creamy), and packed brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for a full 4-5 minutes until the mixture is light in color and wonderfully creamy. Don’t rush this step, as proper creaming incorporates air, which is crucial for a soft cookie! Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure everything is well combined. Once creamy, mix in the vanilla extract and large eggs one at a time until just combined.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the stand mixer bowl, mixing on medium-low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips on low speed until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The mixture might appear a little crumbly, but it should easily form into a ball when pressed together with your hands.
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Using a 1/4 cup scoop for thick, large cookies (or a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop for regular-sized cookies), portion out the dough into uniform rounds. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes for large cookies, or 8-10 minutes for regular-sized cookies, until the edges just begin to turn a light golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft and appear barely set. Remember our golden rule: Do not overbake!
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Allow the freshly baked cookies to cool on the baking pan for at least 5 minutes. This crucial resting period helps them set properly and prevents them from falling apart when transferred. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store these delectable peanut butter chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, though we doubt they’ll last that long!
Notes
- You can successfully use either traditional, stabilized peanut butter (such as Jif or Skippy) or more natural, oil-separated peanut butter (like Adams) for this recipe. However, be aware that the consistency of the peanut butter at room temperature will impact the cookie’s spread. Softer, runnier natural peanut butters may cause cookies to spread more. While both types yield delicious results, slight variations in texture are possible. For best results with natural peanut butter, ensure it’s well stirred and relatively firm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
- Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with both crunchy and creamy peanut butter. Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra layer of texture and nuttiness, which many people love. Just ensure whichever type you choose is well-stirred, especially if using natural peanut butter, to maintain a consistent dough texture.
- Why are my cookies flat and not thick?
- Several factors can lead to flat cookies. Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not melted. Over-creaming the butter and sugar can incorporate too much air, leading to collapse. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh, as old baking soda loses its leavening power. Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate – a too-hot oven can cause cookies to spread quickly before they set.
- Can I freeze peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough?
- Yes! This dough freezes wonderfully. Scoop the dough into rounds as directed, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these peanut butter chocolate chip cookies will stay fresh and soft for up to 1 week. For optimal freshness, we recommend enjoying them within 3-4 days, but they are still delightful longer!
- What other types of chocolate can I use?
- Feel free to get creative with your chocolate! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, you can experiment with milk chocolate chips for a sweeter cookie, dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist. Chocolate chunks or chopped chocolate bars also work great and offer a more varied chocolate melt in each bite.
Elevate Your Baking Experience
We believe that baking should be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. This recipe for thick and soft peanut butter chocolate chip cookies is designed to be straightforward, yet yield truly outstanding results. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these cookies are a fantastic choice for any occasion. Their rich flavor, irresistible texture, and comforting aroma will undoubtedly make them a cherished recipe in your home, just as they are in ours.
So, gather your ingredients, follow our tips, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will bring smiles and warmth to everyone who tastes them. Happy baking!